WATCH: Body slam steals headlines at Texas high school scrimmage
Video surfaced Monday of a Texas high school scrimmage between two College Station-area teams, where an offensive lineman picks up and body slams an opposing player. The game between Caldwell High School and Lexington High School, both located between Austin and College Station, was played on Thursday night.
The lineman was not called for a penalty on the play and received no ejection or suspension at the time of the incident, according to a Lexington High School coach responding to social media comments.
Reports indicate that the Lexington High School player body slammed to the ground was shaken up but did not sustain any significant injuries on the play.
Reaction to unnecessary violence
The viral video clip has brought attention back to unsportsmanlike conduct in youth sports. The state of Texas was at the center of that discussion at the end of last season when a player was charged with assault after an incident with an official.
Edinberg High School’s Emmanuel Duron had been ejected early in the second quarter for unsportsmanlike conduct. After being guided to the sidelines by teammates and coaches, Duron ran back onto the field and attacked referee Fred Garcia. The Edinberg staff quickly subdued Duron but the damage was already done.
A cart was brought onto the field as paramedics checked the referee for serious injuries. He was able to get up under his own power and was later helped off the field. The paramedics treated him for a potential shoulder injury and concussion-like symptoms.
“The district has decided to remove the Edinburg High School football team from the playoffs after an unexpected incident involving a student that occurred during a football game on December 3, 2020,” the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District later announced. “We extend a sincere apology to the referee and his family. On behalf of the Edinburg CISD Board of Trustees and administration, we apologize to the athletes, staff, and our school community.
“We will take the appropriate disciplinary action once we understand the facts and circumstances underlining this incident. The district takes these matters very seriously; however, we cannot comment further on a pending investigation.”
Efforts continue to be made to increase safety in youth football and promote good sportsmanship across athletics. Prominent shoe company Nike recently released an ad campaign which encourages professional athletes to set a good example for the next generation as they watch and learn how they are expected to behave on the field.